SENSITIVE REIMAGINATION OF A LISTED CHURCH

Studio B.A.D Architects were appointed to undertake a detailed feasibility study for the Grade II listed St Philip’s Church in Cosham, Hampshire.

The brief focused on reimagining the existing spaces within the church while respecting and preserving the significance of this historically important building. A key area of investigation was the main nave, with proposals exploring how it could accommodate a flexible, multi-purpose environment supporting both worship and wider community use.

The feasibility study also considered improvements to the church’s supporting facilities, including the potential for an independent kitchenette and WC provision. This would allow these facilities to remain available to church users when the adjoining church hall is being used for private events. The main entrance was also reviewed as part of the wider strategy for improving accessibility, functionality and the experience of arriving at the church.

St Philip’s Church was designed by Sir John Ninian Comper, one of the most highly regarded ecclesiastical architects of the twentieth century. It was Comper’s final complete commission and is widely recognised as an important expression of his design philosophy of ‘unity by inclusion’.

A key principle was that any interventions within the church should be sensitive, reversible and, wherever possible, independent of the historic fabric. New elements were considered as contemporary additions that should complement rather than compete with the existing architecture. The approach sought to ensure that any change to the listed building was carefully considered and justified by the wider social and community benefits it could provide.

Community engagement formed an important part of the feasibility process. A public consultation was undertaken to better understand local needs and aspirations for the future of the church as a community space in Cosham. Engagement with key stakeholders, local community representatives and relevant authorities helped identify opportunities and sensitivities associated with both the building and its heritage.

The National Churches Trust states: “St Philip’s church is a very deceptive building; from the outside the appearance is one of uninspiring red brick. However, once inside a very different sight meets the eyes; not without reason has St Philip’s been described as possibly ‘one of the outstanding pieces of architecture of the inter war period’.”